Definition
A first article inspection is a standardised process used to verify that a manufacturing process can produce parts that meet the engineering and design requirements, evidenced by a full, characteristic-by-characteristic measurement of a representative first part against the drawing. Each numbered characteristic gets a measured value and a verdict, recorded in a report. In aerospace, AS9102 is a commonly used report format, though it applies where a customer or quality agreement requires it, not automatically to every aerospace part.
What it means for the calculation
A first article inspection is a cost item of its own, separate from machining time. Numbering the characteristics, measuring them and filling in the report take hours in the inspection room and in work preparation, and those hours land on the first run, not on the repeat order. A part with a hundred characteristics costs a multiple of a part with ten. If the inspection is asked for but not priced, the margin on a small run can disappear into it.
Where this comes up
In the customer's purchase order or quality agreement, sometimes as a note on the drawing. A numbered balloon beside each characteristic on the drawing is the clearest sign that a report is expected.
Common mistakes
Hiding the inspection inside the per-piece time, which either prices it again on a repeat order or underprices it on the first run. Also assuming a drawing revision needs no new inspection: a changed characteristic usually calls for fresh evidence for that part of the report.
A first article inspection is a cost item of its own, separate from machining time. Numbering the characteristics, measuring them and filling in the report take hours in the inspection room and in work preparation, and those hours land on the first run, not on the repeat order. A part with a hundred characteristics costs a multiple of a part with ten. If the inspection is asked for but not priced, the margin on a small run can disappear into it.
See how Blake reviews a partFrequently asked questions
Is a first article inspection the same as an inspection report?
An inspection report can cover part of the dimensions; a first article inspection covers all numbered characteristics on the drawing.
When does it have to be repeated?
Usually on a drawing revision, a new machine or a changed process, depending on the agreement with the customer.
Is AS9102 mandatory for every aerospace part?
No, it applies when a customer or quality agreement requires it, not automatically to every part. It is a widely used report format in the aerospace supply chain.